[3072] In reality, the chesnut will not thrive in a tufaceous, or, indeed, in any kind of calcareous, soil.
[3074] The heaps of five in which they are sown.
[3075] The chesnut is grown with the greatest difficulty from layers and slips, and never from suckers. Pliny borrows this erroneous assertion from Columella, B. iv. c. 32. In mentioning the heaps of five nuts, Pliny seems to have had some superstitious observance in view, for Columella only says that they must be sown thickly, to prevent accident. The same is done at the present day, in order to make provision for the depredations of field-mice, rats, and mice, which are particularly fond of them.
[3076] The willow and the reed.
[3077] See B. xvi. cc. [5], [6], and [56].
[3079] “Armamentis.” More properly, “rigging,” or “tackle.” He alludes to the trees from which the uprights or stays for the vine are cut, or which produce osiers for baskets and bindings required in the vintage.
[3080] See B. xiii. c. [42], and B. xvi. c. [65].
[3081] “Gemma.” A name now given by botanists to the buds in general.